Composition for forming liquid crystal cured film, liquid crystal cured film, optical film and image display device

Abstract

To provide: a composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film capable of suppressing both planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film and an alignment defect of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound; the liquid crystal cured film; an optical film; and an image display device.SOLUTION: There is provided a composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a solvent, in which the composition for forming the liquid crystal cured film contains two or more kinds of leveling agents formed of polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom. With respect to the content of the leveling agent based on 100 pts.mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, when a content of a leveling agent formed of a polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A in the leveling agents is expressed by X pts.mass and a content of a leveling agent formed of other polymers having the repeating unit A is expressed by Y pts.mass, the mass ratio represented by X / Y satisfies the formula (1), 0<X / Y<1.0 (1).SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film, a liquid crystal cured film, an optical film, and an image display device.

Background Art

[0002] Optical films such as optical compensation sheets and retardation films are used in various image display devices for eliminating image coloring or expanding the viewing angle. As the optical film, a stretched birefringent film has been used, but in recent years, it has been proposed to use an optical film having a liquid crystal cured film instead of the stretched birefringent film.

[0003] As such a liquid crystal cured film, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an optically anisotropic layer obtained by curing a polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing a rod-like liquid crystal compound, a monofunctional compound, and a leveling agent, and fixing the alignment state of the rod-like liquid crystal compound (see, for example, [Claim 1],

[0090] ,

[0145] , etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Recently, due to its high persistence and toxicity, etc., regulations on PFAS (perfluoroalkyl compounds and polyfluoroalkyl compounds) have been advanced, and as a leveling agent, alternatives that do not use fluorine atoms, typically the use of alternative materials containing silicon atoms, have been studied. Then, the present inventors examined a conventionally known liquid crystal cured film such as an optically anisotropic layer described in Patent Document 1, and found that in a liquid crystal cured film obtained by curing a composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a polymer (a leveling agent) having a repeating unit containing a silicon atom, linear defects caused by planar unevenness and dot-like defects caused by alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound (aggregation of the leveling agent) may occur.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film, a liquid crystal cured film, an optical film, and an image display device that can suppress both planar unevenness and alignment defects of a polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal cured film.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the present inventors have found that by using two or more leveling agents composed of polymers having a repeating unit containing a silicon atom and blending them at a specific ratio, both planar unevenness and alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal cured film can be suppressed, and thus completed the present invention. That is, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by the following configuration.

[0008] [1] A composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a solvent, The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film contains two or more leveling agents composed of polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom, Regarding the content of the leveling agent with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, when the content of the leveling agent composed of the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A among the leveling agents is X parts by mass and the content of the leveling agent composed of another polymer having the repeating unit A is Y parts by mass, a composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film in which the mass ratio represented by X / Y satisfies the following formula (1). 0 < X / Y < 1.0 (1) [2] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to [1], wherein the mass ratio represented by X / Y satisfies the following formula (2). 0.1 < X / Y < 0.4 (2) [3] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to [1] or [2], wherein the surface tension of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film is lower than 24.0 mN / m. [4] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the surface tension of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film is lower than 23.0 mN / m. [5] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the surface tension of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film is higher than 21.0 mN / m. [6] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the content of the repeating unit A in the polymer having the repeating unit A and having the highest content of the repeating unit A is more than 65% by mass and less than 95% by mass. [7] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the content of the repeating unit A in the polymer having the repeating unit A and having the lowest content of the repeating unit A is more than 35% by mass and less than 55% by mass. [8] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the weight average molecular weight of at least one kind of the polymer having the repeating unit A is more than 10,000 and less than 40,000. [9] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein among the polymers having the repeating unit A, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is a copolymer having a repeating unit B containing a mesogenic group.

[10] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein among the polymers having the repeating unit A, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is a copolymer having a repeating unit C containing a polymerizable group.

[11] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the following formula (I). The liquid crystal curable film-forming composition according to

[11] , wherein Ar in formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of the groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5).

[13] The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a rod-like liquid crystal compound, The liquid crystal curable film-forming composition according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the refractive index difference Δn between the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the rod-like liquid crystal compound satisfies the following formula (II).

[14] A liquid crystal cured film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the liquid crystal curable film-forming composition according to any one of [1] to

[13] .

[15] The liquid crystal cured film according to

[14] , which is a film obtained by fixing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the liquid crystal curable film-forming composition in a vertically aligned state.

[16] An optical film having the liquid crystal cured film according to

[14] or

[15] .

[17] An image display device having the liquid crystal cured film according to

[14] or

[15] , or the optical film according to

[16] .

[18] The image display device according to

[17] , which is a liquid crystal display device.

[19] The image display device according to

[17] , which is an organic electroluminescence display device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid crystal curable film-forming composition, a liquid crystal cured film, an optical film, and an image display device that can suppress both planar unevenness and alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal cured film. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail. The description of the constituent elements described below may be made based on typical embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value. In addition, in this specification, for a numerical range described step by step, the upper limit value or the lower limit value described in a certain numerical range may be replaced with the upper limit value or the lower limit value of another numerically described range in a step-by-step manner. Further, for the upper limit value or the lower limit value described in a certain numerical range in the numerical range described in this specification, it may be replaced with the value shown in the examples. In addition, in this specification, each component may be used alone as one kind of substance corresponding to each component, or two or more kinds may be used in combination. Here, when two or more kinds of substances are used in combination for each component, the content of that component refers to the total content of the combined substances, unless otherwise specified. In addition, in this specification, “(meth)acrylate” is a notation representing “acrylate” or “methacrylate”, “(meth)acrylic” is a notation representing “acrylic” or “methacrylic”, and “(meth)acryloyl” is a notation representing “acryloyl” or “methacryloyl”. In addition, in this specification, the bonding direction of the divalent group (for example, -O-CO-) described is not particularly limited. For example, in the bond of “L 1 -L 2 -L 3 ”, when L 2 is -O-CO-, and the position bonded to the L 1 side is *1 and the position bonded to the L 3 side is *2, L 2 may be *1-O-CO-*2 or *1-CO-O-*2.

[0011] In this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) represent the in-plane retardation and the retardation in the thickness direction at wavelength λ, respectively. Note that when there is no particular description, the wavelength λ is 550 nm. In addition, in this specification, Re(λ) and Rth(λ) are the values measured at wavelength λ using AxoScan OPMF-1 (manufactured by OptoSciences). Specifically, by inputting the average refractive index ((nx + ny + nz) / 3) and the film thickness (d (μm)) using AxoScan OPMF-1, Retarded axis direction (°) Re(λ) = R0(λ) Rth(λ) = ((nx + ny) / 2 - nz) × d is calculated. Note that R0(λ) is displayed as a numerical value calculated by AxoScan OPMF-1 and means Re(λ).

[0012] In this specification, examples of the substituent include the substituents described in Substituent Group A below. Note that in this specification, "may have a substituent" includes not only the aspect without a substituent but also the aspect having one or more substituents. <Substituent Group A> Examples of the substituent include a halogen atom (e.g., a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, preferably a chlorine atom, a fluorine atom, more preferably a fluorine atom); an alkyl group (preferably a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, particularly preferably 1 to 8 carbon atoms, e.g., a linear alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, an n-hexyl group), a branched alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g., an isopropyl group, an isobutyl group, a tert-butyl group, a sec-butyl group, a neopentyl group, an isohexyl group, a 3-methylpentyl group), a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms (e.g., a cyclopropyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a 1-norbornyl group, a 1-adamantyl group)); an alkenyl group (preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 18 carbon atoms, e.g., a vinyl group, an allyl group, a 1-butenyl group, a 2-butenyl group); an alkynyl group (preferably an alkynyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms, e.g., an ethynyl group, a 1-propynyl group, a propargyl group, a 1-butynyl group, a 2-butynyl group); An aryl group (preferably an aryl group having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenyl group, an oligoaryl group (naphthyl group, anthryl group), a phenanthrenyl group, a fluorenyl group, a pyrenyl group, a triphenylenyl group, a biphenyl group); A heteroaryl group (preferably a heterocyclic group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, a 2-thienyl group, a 4-pyridyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, a 1-pyridyl group, a 2-benzothiazolyl group, a 1-imidazolyl group, a 1-pyrazolyl group, a benzotriazol-1-yl group); An arylalkyl group (preferably an arylalkyl group having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, for example, a benzyl group, a phenethyl group, a methylbenzyl group, a phenylpropyl group, a 1-methylphenylethyl group, a phenylbutyl group, a 2-methylphenylpropyl group, a tetrahydronaphthyl group, a naphthylmethyl group, a naphthylethyl group, an indenyl group, a fluorenyl group, an anthracenylmethyl group (anthrylmethyl group), a phenanthrenylmethyl group (phenanthrylmethyl group)); A silyl group (preferably a silyl group having 3 to 38 carbon atoms, more preferably 3 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, a trimethylsilyl group, a triethylsilyl group, a tributylsilyl group, a t-butyldimethylsilyl group, a t-hexyldimethylsilyl group); A hydroxy group; a cyano group; a nitro group; a morpholino group; An alkoxy group (preferably an alkoxy group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a 1-butoxy group, a 2-butoxy group, an isopropoxy group, a t-butoxy group, a dodecyloxy group, a cycloalkyloxy group (for example, a cyclopentyloxy group, a cyclohexyloxy group)); An aryloxy group (preferably an aryloxy group having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a phenoxy group, a 1-naphthoxy group); An alkenyloxy group (preferably an alkenyloxy group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, for example, a vinyloxy group, a 1-propenyloxy group, a 2-n-propenyloxy group (allyloxy group), a 1-n-butenyloxy group, a prenyloxy group); A heterocyclic oxy group (preferably a heterocyclic oxy group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, 1-phenyltetrazol-5-oxy group, 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy group); A silyloxy group (preferably a silyloxy group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, trimethylsilyloxy group, t-butyldimethylsilyloxy group, diphenylmethylsilyloxy group); An acyloxy group (preferably an acyloxy group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, acetoxy group, pivaloyloxy group, benzoyloxy group, dodecanoyloxy group, acryloyloxy group, methacryloyloxy group); A hydroxyalkyleneoxy group (preferably a hydroxyalkyleneoxy group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example, hydroxyethyleneoxy group); An alkoxycarbonyloxy group (preferably an alkoxycarbonyloxy group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, ethoxycarbonyloxy group, t-butoxycarbonyloxy group, cycloalkyloxycarbonyloxy group (for example, cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy group)); An aryloxycarbonyloxy group (preferably an aryloxycarbonyloxy group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenoxycarbonyloxy group); A carbamoyloxy group (preferably a carbamoyloxy group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, N,N-dimethylcarbamoyloxy group, N-butylcarbamoyloxy group, N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group, N-ethyl-N-phenylcarbamoyloxy group); A sulfamoyloxy group (preferably a sulfamoyloxy group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, N,N-diethylsulfamoyloxy group, N-propylsulfamoyloxy group); An alkylsulfonyloxy group (preferably an alkylsulfonyloxy group having 1 to 38 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfonyloxy group, a hexadecylsulfonyloxy group, a cyclohexylsulfonyloxy group); An arylsulfonyloxy group (preferably an arylsulfonyloxy group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenylsulfonyloxy group); An acyl group (preferably an acyl group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a formyl group, an acetyl group, an acryloyl group, a methacryloyl group, a pivaloyl group, a benzoyl group, a tetradecanoyl group, a cyclohexanoyl group); An alkoxycarbonyl group (preferably an alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a methoxycarbonyl group, an ethoxycarbonyl group, an octadecyloxycarbonyl group, a cyclohexyloxycarbonyl group, a 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylcyclohexyloxycarbonyl group); An aryloxycarbonyl group (preferably an aryloxycarbonyl group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenoxycarbonyl group); A carbamoyl group (preferably a carbamoyl group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a carbamoyl group, an N,N-diethylcarbamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-octylcarbamoyl group, an N,N-dibutylcarbamoyl group, an N-propylcarbamoyl group, an N-phenylcarbamoyl group, an N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl group, an N,N-dicyclohexylcarbamoyl group); An amino group (preferably an amino group having 32 or fewer carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or fewer carbon atoms, such as an amino group, a methylamino group, an N,N-dimethylamino group, an N,N-dibutylamino group, a tetradecylamino group, a 2-ethylhexylamino group, a cyclohexylamino group); An anilino group (preferably an anilino group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as an anilino group, an N-methylanilino group); Heterocyclic amino group (preferably a heterocyclic amino group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, for example, 4-pyridylamino group); Carboxamide group (preferably a carboxamide group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, acetamide group, benzamide group, tetradecaneamide group, pivaloylamide group, cyclohexaneamide group); Ureido group (preferably a ureido group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, ureido group, N,N-dimethylureido group, N-phenylureido group); Imide group (preferably an imide group having 36 or fewer carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or fewer carbon atoms, for example, N-succinimide group, N-phthalimide group); Alkoxycarbonylamino group (preferably an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 2 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 2 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methoxycarbonylamino group, ethoxycarbonylamino group, t-butoxycarbonylamino group, octadecyloxycarbonylamino group, cyclohexyloxycarbonylamino group); Aryloxycarbonylamino group (preferably an aryloxycarbonylamino group having 7 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 7 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenoxycarbonylamino group); Sulfonamide group (preferably a sulfonamide group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, methanesulfonamide group, butanesulfonamide group, benzenesulfonamide group, hexadecanesulfonamide group, cyclohexanesulfonamide group); Sulfamoylamino group (preferably a sulfamoylamino group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, N,N-dipropylsulfamoylamino group, N-ethyl-N-dodecylsulfamoylamino group); Azo group (preferably an azo group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, phenylazo group, 3-pyrazolylazo group); An alkylthio group (preferably an alkylthio group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a methylthio group, an ethylthio group, an octylthio group, a cyclohexylthio group); An arylthio group (preferably an arylthio group having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenylthio group); A heterocyclic thio group (preferably a heterocyclic thio group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 18 carbon atoms, such as a 2-benzothiazolylthio group, a 2-pyridylthio group, a 1-phenyltetrazolylthio group); An alkylsulfinyl group (preferably an alkylsulfinyl group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a dodecanesulfinyl group); An arylsulfinyl group (preferably an arylsulfinyl group having 6 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenylsulfinyl group); An alkylsulfonyl group (preferably an alkylsulfonyl group having 1 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfonyl group, an ethylsulfonyl group, a propylsulfonyl group, a butylsulfonyl group, an isopropylsulfonyl group, a 2-ethylhexylsulfonyl group, a hexadecylsulfonyl group, an octylsulfonyl group, a cyclohexylsulfonyl group); An arylsulfonyl group (preferably an arylsulfonyl group having 6 to 48 carbon atoms, more preferably 6 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenylsulfonyl group, a 1-naphthylsulfonyl group); A sulfamoyl group (preferably a sulfamoyl group having 32 or fewer carbon atoms, more preferably 24 or fewer carbon atoms, such as a sulfamoyl group, an N,N-dipropylsulfamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-dodecylsulfamoyl group, an N-ethyl-N-phenylsulfamoyl group, an N-cyclohexylsulfamoyl group, an N-(2-ethylhexyl)sulfamoyl group); A phosphonyl group (preferably a phosphonyl group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as a phenoxyphosphonyl group, an octyloxyphosphonyl group, a phenylphosphonyl group); A phosphinoyl amino group (preferably a phosphinoyl amino group having 1 to 32 carbon atoms, more preferably 1 to 24 carbon atoms, for example, a diethoxyphosphinoyl amino group, a dioctyloxyphosphinoyl amino group); An epoxy group; -NHCOCH 3 ;-SO 2 NHC 2 H 4 OCH 3 ;-NHSO 2 CH 3 ; and the like, and two or more of these may be combined. These substituents may be further substituted by these substituents. When having two or more substituents, they may be the same or different. Also, when possible, they may be bonded to each other to form a ring.

[0013] [Composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film] The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film of the present invention (hereinafter also abbreviated as "the liquid crystal composition of the present invention") is a composition containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a solvent. In addition, the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains two or more leveling agents composed of polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom. Further, regarding the content of the leveling agent with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, when the content of the leveling agent composed of the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A (hereinafter also abbreviated as "high Si-containing leveling agent") is X parts by mass, and the content of the leveling agent composed of another polymer having the repeating unit A (hereinafter also abbreviated as "low Si-containing leveling agent") is Y parts by mass, the mass ratio represented by X / Y satisfies the following formula (1). 0 < X / Y < 1.0 (1) Here, when two or more high Si-containing leveling agents are contained, that is, when two or more polymers having the same highest value of the content of the repeating unit A are contained, the above-mentioned X parts by mass refers to the total content of the two or more high Si-containing leveling agents. Similarly, when two or more low-Si-containing leveling agents are contained, that is, when two or more polymers having repeating unit A are contained in addition to the polymer having the highest content of repeating unit A, the above-mentioned Y parts by mass refer to the total content of two or more low-Si-containing leveling agents.

[0014] In the present invention, as described above, by using a composition in which a high-Si-containing leveling agent and a low-Si-containing leveling agent are blended at a mass ratio satisfying the above formula (1), both planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film and alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound can be suppressed. Although the reason for the manifestation of these effects is not clear in detail, the present inventors presume as follows. First, from the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, it is considered that the planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film could be suppressed because the surface tension of the composition could be lowered by blending the high-Si-containing leveling agent. Next, from the results of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, it can be seen that when only the high-Si-containing leveling agent is blended, the alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound cannot be suppressed. This is considered to be because the alignment of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound was inhibited due to the aggregation of the high-Si-containing leveling agent. Therefore, in the present invention, by blending not only the high-Si-containing leveling agent but also the low-Si-containing leveling agent in a content higher than that of the high-Si-containing leveling agent, the aggregation of the high-Si-containing leveling agent was suppressed, and as a result, it is considered that the alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound could be suppressed.

[0015] In the present invention, it is preferable that the above-mentioned mass ratio (X / Y) satisfies the following formula (2), and more preferably satisfies the following formula (3). Here, when the mass ratio (X / Y) exceeds 0.1, the planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed, and when the mass ratio (X / Y) is less than 0.4, the alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed, and the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film becomes good. 0.1 < X / Y < 0.4 (2) 0.12 ≦ X / Y ≦ 0.38 (3)

[0016] In addition, in the present invention, since surface unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed, the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is preferably lower than 24.0 mN / m, and more preferably lower than 23.0 mN / m. Here, as the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition, the value measured under the following conditions and method is adopted. Specifically, 50 mL of the liquid crystal composition is collected as a sample, and the surface tension is measured three times by the Wilhelmy method in an environment of 25°C and 60% RH (relative humidity). In the measurement of the surface tension, a CBVP-A3 type automatic surface tension meter manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd. is used, and a platinum plate is used as a probe according to the Wilhelmy method. The arithmetic mean value of the measured values is adopted as the surface tension of the composition for forming the liquid crystal cured film.

[0017] Furthermore, in the present invention, since the alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed and the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film is good, the surface tension of the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is preferably higher than 21.0 mN / m, and more preferably higher than 22.0 mN / m.

[0018] Hereinafter, the leveling agent, polymerizable liquid crystal compound, solvent, and optional components contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention will be described.

[0019] 〔Leveling agent〕 <Repeating unit A> As described above, the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains two or more leveling agents composed of polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom. Here, the number of silicon atoms contained in the repeating unit A is not particularly limited as long as it is 1 or more, but 2 or more is preferable, 3 to 6 is more preferable, and 3 to 5 is still more preferable.

[0020] The repeating unit A preferably contains a silicon atom in a structure represented by the following formula (Ia).

[0021]

Chem.

[0022] In formula (Ia), * represents the bonding position. R 11 、R 12 、and R 13 each independently represent an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, or an alkylene aryl group, which may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkylcarbonyl group, an alkyloxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or an alkoxy group is preferable. Examples of the above alkyl group include a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and a branched or cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. Specifically, for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-butyl group, and a cyclohexyl group can be mentioned. Examples of the above alkenyl group include an alkenyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the above aryl group include an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples of the above alkylene aryl group include an alkylene aryl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms. R 11 、R 12 、and R 13 are all preferably alkyl groups because the planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed.

[0023] The repeating unit A preferably contains two or more structures represented by the formula (Ia), more preferably 3 to 6, and still more preferably 3 to 5, because the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film is good.

[0024] The repeating unit A is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (a1) in that the planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed and the compatibility with a polymerizable compound (particularly, a polymerizable liquid crystal compound) described later is more excellent.

[0025]

Chemical formula

[0026] In formula (a1), m represents an integer of 2 or more. As m, an integer of 3 or more is preferable, an integer of 3 to 6 is more preferable, and an integer of 3 to 5 is still more preferable.

[0027] In formula (a1), R 11 , R 12 , and R 13 are the same as R 11 , R 12 , and R 13 in formula (Ia). Note that a plurality of R 11 may be the same or different from each other, a plurality of R 12 may be the same or different from each other, and a plurality of R 13 may be the same or different from each other.

[0028] In formula (a1), R 21 and R 22 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group. Examples of the alkyl group include a linear alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and a branched or cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms. R 21 and R 22 are preferably hydrogen atoms.

[0029] In formula (a1), R 23 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the above substituents include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A (particularly, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group), or a substituent having a linking group and a group containing a silicon atom. Examples of the substituent having a linking group and a group containing a silicon atom include -CH 2 -CO-L 1 -L 2 -(Si(R 11 )(R 12 )(R 13 )) m is also included. L 1 , L 2 , R 11 , R 12 , R 13 , and m are the same as the definitions of the symbols in formula (a1), respectively. R 23 is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, more preferably a hydrogen atom or a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, still more preferably a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group, and particularly preferably a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.

[0030] In formula (a1), L 1 represents -O- or NR Z -. R Z represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent represented by R Z include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group is preferable, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is still more preferable. L 1 is preferably -O- or -NH-, and more preferably -O-.

[0031] In formula (a1), L 2 represents an (m + 1)-valent linking group. Examples of the (m + 1)-valent linking group include an (m + 1)-valent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and a hydrocarbon group in which a part of the carbon atoms constituting the hydrocarbon group may be substituted by a hetero atom. Examples of the substituent that the hydrocarbon group may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group is preferable, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is even more preferable. Examples of the hetero atom that may substitute a part of the carbon atoms include, for example, a silicon atom, an oxygen atom, and a nitrogen atom. L 2 Examples include a group represented by the following structural formula K-1-L, a group represented by the structural formula K-2-L, and a group represented by the structural formula K-3-L. In the following sub-structural formulas, * represents the bonding position with L in the formula (a1). 1 and ** represents the bonding position with the group represented by -SiR in the formula (a1). 11 R 12 R 13 represents the bonding position with the group represented by. Among these, L 2 is preferably a group represented by the following structural formula K-1-L because of good adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film.

[0032]

Chemical formula

[0033] Specific examples of the repeating unit A include repeating units corresponding to the monomers represented by the following K-1 to K-33. Note that the monomer represented by the following formula K-29 is a mixture of monomers having different numbers of -(O-Si(CH 3 )) 2 ), and is represented as an average value with n ≈ 11. The same applies to the monomer represented by the following formula K-30.

[0034]

Chemical formula

[0035]

Chemical formula

[0036] Such repeating unit A may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

[0037] In the present invention, among the polymers having repeating unit A, the content of repeating unit A in the polymer having the highest content of repeating unit A is preferably more than 65% by mass and less than 95% by mass, more preferably 70 to 90% by mass, and still more preferably 75 to 85% by mass with respect to all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer. Here, since the content of repeating unit A is more than 65% by mass, planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed, and since the content of repeating unit A is less than 95% by mass, alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed, and the adhesion with the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film becomes good.

[0038] In the present invention, among the polymers having repeating unit A, the content of repeating unit A in the polymer having the lowest content of repeating unit A is preferably more than 35% by mass and less than 55% by mass, more preferably 38 to 52% by mass, and still more preferably 40 to 50% by mass with respect to all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer. Here, since the content of repeating unit A is more than 35% by mass, planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed, and since the content of repeating unit A is less than 55% by mass, the adhesion with the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film becomes good.

[0039] <Repeating unit B> In the present invention, since the planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed and the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film is good, among the leveling agents (polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is preferably a copolymer having a repeating unit B containing a mesogen group together with the above-described repeating unit A. Note that other polymers having the repeating unit A may also be copolymers having the repeating unit B containing a mesogen group. Here, the repeating unit B preferably contains a functional group capable of forming a covalent complex with a hydroxyl group together with the mesogen group, and more preferably contains a boronic acid group or a boronic acid ester group, because the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film becomes better.

[0040] Here, as the mesogen group, known mesogen groups can be used. For example, reference can be made to "Flussige Kristalle in Tabellen II" (VEB Deutsche Verlag fur Grundstoff Industrie, Leipzig, published in 1984), particularly the description on pages 7 to 16, and "Liquid Crystal Handbook" edited by the Liquid Crystal Handbook Editorial Committee (Maruzen, published in 2000), particularly the description in Chapter 3. The mesogen group is preferably a group having at least one cyclic structure selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon group, a heterocyclic group, and an alicyclic group. The mesogen group is preferably a group having an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an alicyclic group, which may have a substituent, because the degree of orientation of the liquid crystal compound is improved in terms of improving the degree of orientation of the liquid crystal compound. More preferably, it is a group having 2 to 4 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent. Even more preferably, it is a group having 2 to 3 aromatic hydrocarbon groups, which may have a substituent. The substituent is preferably an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl ester group, or an acetyl group, and more preferably a methyl group, a tert-butyl group, a methoxy group, or a methyl ester group.

[0041] As the mesogenic group, a group represented by the following formula (M1-A) is preferable. *-(Cy 11 -L 11 ) n -Cy 12 -* (M1-A)

[0042] In formula (M1-A), * represents the bonding position.

[0043] In formula (M1-A), n represents an integer of 1 or more, preferably an integer of 1 to 10, more preferably an integer of 1 to 3, and still more preferably 1 or 2.

[0044] In formula (M1-A), Cy 11 and Cy 12 each independently represent a divalent ring group which may have a substituent. The above divalent ring group may be either a monocyclic or polycyclic group, and a monocyclic group is preferable. The number of ring members of the above divalent ring group is preferably 5 to 18, more preferably 5 to 10, and still more preferably 5 or 6.

[0045] Examples of the above divalent ring group include a divalent aromatic ring group and a divalent alicyclic group. Examples of the above divalent aromatic ring group include a divalent aromatic hydrocarbon ring group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, and a divalent aromatic heterocyclic group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Examples of the above aromatic hydrocarbon ring include a benzene ring, a naphthalene ring, an anthracene ring, and a phenanthroline ring. Examples of the above aromatic heterocyclic ring include a pyridine ring, a pyridazine ring, an imidazole ring, a thiophene ring, a quinoline ring, an isoquinolylene ring, an oxazole ring, a thiazole ring, an oxadiazole ring, a benzothiazole ring, a benzothiadiazole ring, a phthalimide ring, a thienothiazole ring, a thiazolothiazole ring, a thienothiophene ring, and a thienooxazole ring. Among them, a group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from a benzene ring (for example, 1,4-phenylene group) is preferable. Examples of the divalent alicyclic group include a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic hydrocarbon ring (e.g., cycloalkane and cycloalkene), and a divalent aliphatic heterocyclic group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from an aliphatic heterocycle. Examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon ring include cyclopentane ring, cyclohexane ring, cycloheptane ring, cyclooctane ring, cyclononane ring, cyclododecane ring, and cyclodocosane ring. Examples of the aliphatic heterocyclic group include pyrrolidine ring, oxolane ring, thiolane ring, piperidine ring, tetrahydropyran ring, thiane ring, piperazine ring, and morpholine ring. Among them, a group obtained by removing two hydrogen atoms from a cyclohexane ring (e.g., 1,4-cyclohexylene group) is preferable. As the divalent ring group, a divalent aromatic ring group or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon ring group is preferable, and a divalent aromatic ring group is more preferable.

[0046] Examples of the substituent that the divalent ring group may have include, for example, an alkyl ester group, an alkyl group that may have a halogen atom, an acyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkylthio group, an alkyloxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, an acylamino group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, and a nitro group. An alkyl ester group, an alkyl group, or an acyl group is preferable, a methyl ester group, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an acetyl group is more preferable, and a methyl ester group, a methyl group, or an ethyl group is even more preferable.

[0047] In formula (M1-A), L 11 each independently represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include, for example, -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR L1 R L2 -, -CR L3 =CR L4 -, and -NR L5 -, and combinations of two or more of these. R L1 ~R L5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. R L1 ~RL5 Preferred substituents represented by [the following formula] are a halogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, or an alkoxy group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. L 11 Examples of [this] include -CO-, -O-, -CR L1 R L2 -, -NR L5 -, or a combination of two of these is preferred.

[0048] n is an integer of 2 or more, and when Cy 11 represents a phenylene group, when horizontally aligning the liquid crystal compound, from the viewpoint of improving the alignment property, it is preferable that any one of two or more Cy 11 is meta-linkage or ortho-linkage. Among them, from the viewpoints of improving the alignment property and the repellency, meta-linkage is preferable. On the other hand, when vertically aligning the liquid crystal compound, it is preferable that any one of two or more Cy 11 is para-linkage.

[0049] The repeating unit B is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (b1) or a repeating unit represented by formula (b2) in terms of improving the compatibility with the liquid crystal compound and having more excellent leveling property, and the repeating unit represented by formula (b1) is more preferable.

[0050]

Chemical formula

[0051] In formulas (b1) and (b2), R 21 , R 22 , R 23 , and L 1 are the same as those described in the above formula (a1). In the above formula (b2), R 24 and R 25 are each independently the same as the definitions of R 21 and R 22 in the above formula (a1), and the preferred embodiments are also the same. R 26 is the same as R 23 in the above formula (a1).The definition is the same as above, and the preferred embodiments are also the same. L 2 is the L in the above formula (a1) 1 The definition is the same as above, and the preferred embodiments are also the same.

[0052] In formulas (b1) and (b2), SP 1 and SP 2 each independently represents a spacer group. The above spacer group is not particularly limited as long as it is a divalent linking group that does not contain a ring structure. For example, a divalent chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms can be mentioned. As the above divalent chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferable, and an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferable. Specifically, a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group, a methylhexylene group, and a heptylene group are preferably mentioned. One or more of the —CH 2 — constituting the above divalent chain-like aliphatic hydrocarbon group may each independently be substituted with a group selected from —O—, —S—, —CO—, and —N(Q)—. Note that as long as the same group is not adjacent, two or more —CH 2 — may be substituted. Q represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group is preferable, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and a methyl group or an ethyl group is even more preferable. Among the above spacer groups, in particular, *-(CH 2 -CH 2 -O) n1 -*, *-(CH 2 ) n2 -O-*, or *-(CH 2 ) n2 -O-CO-* is preferable. * represents a bonding position. n1 represents an integer of 1 to 4. n2 each independently represents an integer of 1 to 6, and an integer of 2 to 4 is preferable.

[0053] In formulas (b1) and (b2), M 1represents a mesogenic group. Details of the mesogenic group are as described above.

[0054] In formula (b1), T 1 represents a terminal group. The terminal group represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. Examples of the above-mentioned substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a hydroxy group, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkylthio group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms (ROC(O)-: R is an alkyl group), an acyloxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an acylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfonylamino group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfamoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a carbamoyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a sulfinyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a trialkylsilyloxy group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, a ureido group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and a group containing a (meth)acryloyloxy group, etc. are included. Examples of the group containing a (meth)acryloyloxy group include, for example, -L A -A (L A represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include the same ones as the above-mentioned L 1 . A represents a (meth)acryloyloxy group) and the like. Also, as T 1 , a boronic acid group (-B(OH) 2 ) and a boronic acid ester group (-B(R B1 ) 2 ) are also included. R B1 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may have a substituent, an aryl group which may have a substituent, or a heteroaryl group which may have a substituent, and a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group which may have a substituent is preferable. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 10, more preferably 1 to 5. The number of carbon atoms in the aryl group is preferably 4 to 20, more preferably 6 to 12. Examples of the aryl group include a phenyl group. The number of carbon atoms in the heteroaryl group is preferably 3 to 10, more preferably 3 to 5. Examples of the heteroatom contained in the heteroaryl group include an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, and a sulfur atom. R B1 They may be bonded to each other to form a ring. R B1 The number of ring members of the ring formed by bonding R to each other is preferably 4 to 8, more preferably 5 to 6.

[0055] Specific examples of the repeating unit B include, for example, repeating units represented by the following structural formulas.

[0056]

Chemical formula

[0057]

Chemical formula

[0058]

Chemical formula

[0059] Such a repeating unit B may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the polymer having the repeating unit A has the repeating unit B, the content of the repeating unit B is preferably 1 to 50% by mass, more preferably 2 to 40% by mass, still more preferably 5 to 30% by mass, based on all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer.

[0060] <Repeating unit C> In the present invention, among the leveling agents (polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is preferably a copolymer having a repeating unit C containing a polymerizable group, together with the above-described repeating unit A and an arbitrary repeating unit B, because of the good adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film. Note that other polymers having the repeating unit A may also be copolymers having a repeating unit C containing a polymerizable group.

[0061] Here, the polymerizable group contained in the repeating unit C is not particularly limited, but a polymerizable group capable of radical polymerization or cationic polymerization is preferable. As the radical polymerizable group, known radical polymerizable groups can be used, and preferred examples include an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group. In this case, it is generally known that the polymerization rate is faster for the acryloyloxy group, and from the viewpoint of improving productivity, the acryloyloxy group is preferable, but the methacryloyloxy group can also be used as a polymerizable group in the same manner. As the cationic polymerizable group, known cationic polymerizable groups can be used, and specific examples include an alicyclic ether group, a cyclic acetal group, a cyclic lactone group, a cyclic thioether group, a spiro orthoester group, and a vinyloxy group. Among them, an alicyclic ether group or a vinyloxy group is preferable, and an epoxy group, an oxetanyl group, or a vinyloxy group is particularly preferable. Examples of particularly preferred polymerizable groups include polymerizable groups represented by any of the following formulas (P-1) to (P-20).

[0062]

Chemical formula

[0063] The number of polymerizable groups contained in the repeating unit C is 1 or more, preferably 1 to 3, and more preferably 1 or 2.

[0064] The repeating unit C is preferably a repeating unit represented by the following formula (c1) in that it has better compatibility with the polymerizable liquid crystal compound described later.

[0065]

Chemical formula

[0066] In formula (c1), R 21 , R 22 , R 23 , and L 1 are the same as those described in the above formula (a1).

[0067] In formula (c1), L 3 represents a single bond or a divalent linking group. Examples of the divalent linking group include divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent. The aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms is preferably an alkylene group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. One or more of -CH 2 - constituting the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group may each independently be substituted with a group selected from -O-, -S-, -CO-, and -N(Q)-. Note that as long as the same group is not adjacent, two or more -CH 2 - may be substituted. The definition and preferred embodiments of Q are as described above. As L 3 , among others, an alkylene group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or *-(L 31 -O) n3 -* is preferable. * represents the bonding position. n3 represents an integer of 1 to 8. L 31 each independently represents an alkylene group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a substituent is preferable.

[0068] Examples of the substituent that the divalent linking group may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, for example, a hydroxy group, a halogen atom, an amino group, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group, an aryl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an alkylcarbonyl group, and a sulfonyl group can be mentioned.

[0069] In formula (c1), P 1 represents a polymerizable group. The definition and preferred embodiments of the polymerizable group are as described above.

[0070] Specific examples of the repeating unit C include, for example, the repeating units shown below. In the following repeating units, n represents an integer of 1 or more (typically an integer of 1 to 6).

[0071] [Chemical formula]

[0072] Such a repeating unit C may be used alone or in combination of two or more. When the polymer having the repeating unit A has the repeating unit C, the content of the repeating unit C is preferably 1 to 50% by mass based on all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer. In particular, when the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A has the content of the repeating unit C, the content of the repeating unit C is more preferably 2 to 20% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 15% by mass based on all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer. Also, when another polymer having the repeating unit A has the content of the repeating unit C, the content of the repeating unit C is more preferably 20 to 49% by mass based on all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer.

[0073] [Other repeating unit D] The leveling agent (polymer having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain another repeating unit D other than the above-described repeating unit. For example, the leveling agent may have a repeating unit containing a polar group in terms of alignment control. Examples of the polar group include a carboxy group, an amino group, an amide group, a urea group, a urethane group, a sulfonylamino group, a sulfo group, a phospho group, a hydroxy group, a mercapto group, a methylene group substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, and a methine group substituted with an electron-withdrawing group, etc., and a carboxy group is preferable.

[0074] As the repeating unit containing a polar group, a repeating unit represented by the following formula (K-1) is preferable.

[0075]

Chemical formula

[0076] In the above formula (K-1), R 10 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Among them, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is preferable, a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and a hydrogen atom or a methyl group is still more preferable.

[0077] Examples of the monomer forming the repeating unit represented by the above formula (K-1) include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

[0078] When the polymer having the repeating unit A has a repeating unit having a polar group, the content of the repeating unit having a polar group is preferably 0.05 to 15% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 1% by mass with respect to all the repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer.

[0079] Among the leveling agents (polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, it is preferable that the weight average molecular weight of at least one polymer is more than 10,000 and less than 40,000, more preferably 15,000 to 40,000, and still more preferably 20,000 to 37,000. Here, when the weight average molecular weight of the polymer is more than 10,000, the surface unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed, and when the weight average molecular weight of the polymer is less than 40,000, the alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed. In addition, the weight average molecular weight in the present invention is a value measured by the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method under the following conditions. · Solvent (eluent): Tetrahydrofuran · Apparatus name: EcoSEC HLC-8320GPC (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) · Column: Three TSKgel SuperHZM-H, TSKgel SuperHZ4000, and TSKgel SuperHZ200 (all manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) are connected and used. · Column temperature: 40 °C · Sample concentration: 0.1 mass% · Flow rate: 0.35 ml / min · Calibration curve: A calibration curve using 6 samples from TOSOH TSK standard polystyrene Mw = 706,000 to 1013 (Mw / Mn = 1.03 to 1.06) is used.

[0080] The total content of the leveling agent (polymer having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention is preferably 0.05 to 5 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 2 parts by mass, and still more preferably 0.1 to 1.5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound described later.

[0081] 〔Polymerizable liquid crystal compound〕 As described above, the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains a polymerizable liquid crystal compound (that is, a liquid crystal compound having one or more polymerizable groups). Here, examples of the polymerizable group include those described in the above-mentioned repeating unit C. Among them, the polymerizable group represented by any of the above formulas (P-1) to (P-20) is preferable, and an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group is more preferable. Further, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is preferably a liquid crystal compound having two or more polymerizable groups, and more preferably a liquid crystal compound having 2 to 5 polymerizable groups. In the following, the polymerizable liquid crystal compound may also be simply abbreviated as "liquid crystal compound".

[0082] Liquid crystal compounds can be classified into rod-like types and disc-like types according to their shapes. Furthermore, each has a low-molecular and a high-molecular type. Generally, a polymer refers to one with a degree of polymerization of 100 or more (Physical Polymer Science and Phase Transition Dynamics, by Masao Doi, page 2, Iwanami Shoten, 1992). In the present invention, any liquid crystal compound can be used, but it is preferable to use a rod-like liquid crystal compound or a discotic liquid crystal compound (disc-like liquid crystal compound). A mixture of two or more rod-like liquid crystal compounds, two or more disc-like liquid crystal compounds, or a rod-like liquid crystal compound and a disc-like liquid crystal compound may also be used. By polymerizing such a liquid crystal compound, the orientation of the liquid crystal compound can be fixed. Note that after the liquid crystal compound is fixed by polymerization, it is no longer necessary to exhibit liquid crystallinity.

[0083] As the rod-like liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in Claim 1 of JP-T-11-513019 and paragraphs

[0026] to

[0098] of JP-A-2005-289980 can be preferably used. As the discotic liquid crystal compound, for example, those described in paragraphs

[0020] to

[0067] of JP-A-2007-108732 and paragraphs

[0013] to

[0108] of JP-A-2010-244038 can be preferably used, but are not limited thereto.

[0084] In the present invention, due to the good alignment in the liquid crystal cured film, it is preferable that the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound and the refractive index difference Δn between the long axis direction and the short axis direction satisfies the following formula (II). Δn(450) / Δn(550) < 1.0 (II) Here, in the above formula (II), Δn(450) represents the refractive index difference at 450 nm, and Δn(550) represents the refractive index difference at 550 nm. Also, the long axis direction of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound refers to the orientation of the longest axis within the molecule, and the short axis direction refers to the orientation orthogonal to the long axis direction. Further, the refractive index difference Δn is a value obtained by dividing the value of Re(λ) (nm) measured by the above-described method by the film thickness value (nm) of the liquid crystal cured layer for the liquid crystal cured layer prepared using the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound. Note that, as the liquid crystal cured layer to be measured, that is, the liquid crystal cured layer prepared using the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound, the liquid crystal cured layer prepared by the following procedure is used. That is, a liquid crystal composition L having the following composition is spin-coated on a glass substrate with a rubbed polyimide alignment film (SE-150 manufactured by Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.). Next, the coating film is heated and subjected to an alignment treatment at a temperature at which liquid crystallinity is exhibited to form a liquid crystal layer. Next, it is cooled from the temperature at which liquid crystallinity is exhibited to a temperature 40 °C lower, and alignment fixation by ultraviolet irradiation of 1000 mJ / cm 2 is performed to produce a liquid crystal cured layer.

[0085] ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Liquid crystal composition L ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · Rod-shaped liquid crystal compound 15.00 parts by mass · Photoinitiator (Irgacure 819, manufactured by BASF) 0.45 parts by mass · The following fluorine-containing compound A 0.12 parts by mass · Chloroform 35.00 parts by mass ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0086] Fluorine-containing compound A [Chemical formula]

[0087] In the present invention, since the alignment property of the liquid crystal cured film is good, it is preferable that the liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the following formula (I). P 1 -L 1 -D 5 -(A 1 ) a1 -D 3 -(G 1 ) g1 -D 1 -〔Ar-D 2 〕 q1 -(G 2 ) g2 -D 4 -(A 2 ) a2 -D 6 -L 2 -P 2 (I)

[0088] In the above formula (I), a1, a2, g1 and g2 each independently represent 0 or 1. However, at least one of a1 and g1 represents 1, and at least one of a2 and g2 represents 1. Also, q1 represents 1 or 2. Also, D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 and D 6 each independently represent a single bond, or a divalent linking group composed of -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 3 =CR 4 -, -NR 5 -, or a combination of two or more of these, and R 1 ~R 5Each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. However, when q1 is 2, a plurality of D 2 may be the same or different from each other. Also, G 1 and G 2 each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH 2 - constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. Also, A 1 and A 2 each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH 2 - constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. Also, L 1 and L 2 each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. However, one or more of -CH 2 - constituting the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. Also, P 1 and P 2 each independently represents a monovalent organic group, and at least one of P 1 and P 2 represents a polymerizable group. However, when Ar is an aromatic ring represented by the following formula (Ar-3), P 1 and P 2 and P 3 and P 4 in the following formula (Ar-3) at least one represents a polymerizable group. Also, Ar represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH 2One or more of the "-" may be replaced by -O-, -S- or -NH-. However, when q1 is 2, the plurality of Ar's may be the same or different from each other.

[0089] In the above formula (I), a1, a2, g1 and g2 are all preferably 1 because it is easier for the liquid crystal composition to exhibit a smectic liquid crystal state. Also, from the reason that the durability of the formed liquid crystal cured layer becomes good, it is preferable that both a1 and a2 are 0, and both g1 and g2 are 1.

[0090] In the above formula (I), q1 is preferably 1.

[0091] In the above formula (I), D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 and D 6 Examples of the divalent linking group represented by one embodiment of 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -CR 1 R 2 -, -O-CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -O-CR 1 R 2 -, -CO-O-CR 1 R 2 -, -O-CO-CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -O-CO-CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 1 R 2 -CO-O-CR 1 R 2 -, -NR 5 -CR 1 R 2 -, and -CO-NR 5 - etc. are included. R​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​1 , R 2 and R 5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Among these, it is preferably any one of -CO-, -O-, and -CO-O-.

[0092] In the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2 Examples of the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment include aromatic hydrocarbon rings such as benzene ring, naphthalene ring, anthracene ring, phenanthroline ring; aromatic heterocyclic rings such as furan ring, pyrrole ring, thiophene ring, pyridine ring, thiazole ring, benzothiazole ring; Among them, a benzene ring (for example, 1,4-phenyl group, etc.) is preferable.

[0093] In the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2 Examples of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of G 1 and G 2 include, for example, those described in paragraph

[0078] of JP-A-2012-21068, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] In the present invention, since the durability of the formed liquid crystal cured layer becomes better, G 1 and G 2 in the above formula (I) are preferably cycloalkane rings. Specific examples of the cycloalkane ring include cyclohexane ring, cyclopentane ring, cyclooctane ring, cyclododecane ring, cyclodocosane ring, etc. Among these, the cyclohexane ring is preferable, the 1,4-cyclohexylene group is more preferable, and the trans-1,4-cyclohexylene group is even more preferable.

[0095] In the above formula (I), G 1 and G 2 Regarding, examples of the substituent that the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms may have include the substituents described in the above-described substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0096] In the above formula (I), A 1 and A 2 Examples of the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 or more carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of include those similar to those described for G 1 and G 2 in the above formula (I). Also, in the above formula (I), A 1 and A 2 Examples of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of include those similar to those described for G 1 and G 2 in the above formula (I). Note that, regarding A 1 and A 2 Examples of the substituent that the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms may have include the substituents described in the above-described substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0097] In the above formula (I), L 1 and L 2 Examples of the divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of include, for example, a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a linear or branched alkynylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and the like. As the linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is more preferable, and for example, a methylene group, an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, a pentylene group, a hexylene group and the like can be preferably mentioned. As the linear or branched alkenylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkenylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkenylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and for example, an ethenylene group and the like can be preferably mentioned. As the linear or branched alkynylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkynylene group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkynylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is more preferable, and for example, an ethynylene group and the like can be preferably mentioned. As described above, one or more of -CH 2 - constituting the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)-, or -CO-, and examples of the substituent represented by Q include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0098] In the above formula (I), P 1 and P 2 Examples of the monovalent organic group represented by include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group and the like can be mentioned. The alkyl group may be linear, branched or cyclic, but a linear alkyl group is preferable. The number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group is preferably 1 to 30, more preferably 1 to 20, and still more preferably 1 to 10. The aryl group may be monocyclic or polycyclic, but a monocyclic aryl group is preferable. The number of carbon atoms of the aryl group is preferably 6 to 25, more preferably 6 to 10. In addition, the heteroaryl group may be monocyclic or polycyclic. The number of heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group is preferably 1 to 3. The heteroatoms constituting the heteroaryl group are preferably nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, or oxygen atoms. The number of carbon atoms of the heteroaryl group is preferably 6 to 18, more preferably 6 to 12. In addition, the alkyl group, aryl group, and heteroaryl group may be unsubstituted or may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0099] In the above formula (I), P 1 and P 2 Examples of the polymerizable group represented by at least one of them include those described in the above-mentioned repeating unit C. Among them, the polymerizable group represented by any of the above formulas (P-1) to (P-20) is preferable, and an acryloyloxy group or a methacryloyloxy group is more preferable.

[0100] On the other hand, in the above formula (I), examples of the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 or more carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of Ar include the same ones as those described for G 1 and G 2 in the above formula (I). In addition, in the above formula (I), examples of the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms represented by one embodiment of Ar include the same ones as those described for G 1 and G 2 in the above formula (I). Regarding Ar, examples of the substituent that the aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or the divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0101] In the present invention, for the reason that the alignment property of the liquid crystal cured film becomes better, it is preferable that the liquid crystal compound is a compound having any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of the groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), and it is more preferable that the compound is represented by the following formula (I) and Ar in the formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of the groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5). In the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents the bonding position, but when Ar in the formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of the groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents the bonding position with D 1 or D 2 represents the bonding position with.

[0102]

Chemical formula

[0103] In the above formula (Ar-1), Q 1 represents N or CH, and Q 2 represents -S-, -O-, or -N(R 6 )-, R 6 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and Y 1 represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH 2 - constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. As the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms represented by R 6 , specifically, for example, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group can be mentioned. As the aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms represented by Y 1 , for example, aryl groups such as a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, and a naphthyl group can be mentioned. Y1 Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms shown by 1 include heteroaryl groups such as thienyl group, thiazolyl group, furyl group, pyridyl group, benzothiazolyl group, benzofuryl group; groups formed by removing one hydrogen atom from any of indole ring, benzofuran ring, benzothiophene ring, benzimidazole ring, benzothiazole ring, and benzoxazole ring; and the like. Among them, Y 1 Examples of the aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms shown by 1 preferably include a group formed by removing one hydrogen atom from a benzofuran ring or a benzothiazole ring. Y 1 Examples of the alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms shown by 1 include cyclohexylene group, cyclopentylene group, norbornylene group, adamantylene group, and the like. Also, Y 1 Examples of the substituent that Y may have include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0104] Also, in the above formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), Z 1 Z 2 and Z 3 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR 7 -NR 8 R 9 -SR 10 -COOR 11 or -COR 12 wherein R 7 ~R 12 each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and Z 1 and Z 2 may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. As the monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms is preferable, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms is more preferable, and specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a tert-pentyl group (1,1-dimethylpropyl group), a tert-butyl group, a 1,1-dimethyl-3,3-dimethyl-butyl group are more preferable, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, a tert-butyl group are particularly preferable. As the monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, for example, monocyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclopropyl group, cyclobutyl group, cyclopentyl group, cyclohexyl group, cycloheptyl group, cyclooctyl group, cyclodecyl group, methylcyclohexyl group, ethylcyclohexyl group; monocyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups such as cyclobutenyl group, cyclopentenyl group, cyclohexenyl group, cycloheptenyl group, cyclooctenyl group, cyclodecenyl group, cyclopentadienyl group, cyclohexadienyl group, cyclooctadienyl group, cyclodecadiene; polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups such as bicyclo[2.2.1]heptyl group, bicyclo[2.2.2]octyl group, tricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6 decyl group, tricyclo[3.3.1.1 3,7 decyl group, tetracyclo[6.2.1.1 3,6 .0 2,7 dodecyl group, adamantyl group and other polycyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups; and the like can be mentioned. As the monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, specifically, for example, a phenyl group, a 2,6-diethylphenyl group, a naphthyl group, a biphenyl group and the like can be mentioned, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms (particularly a phenyl group) is preferable. As the monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, specifically, for example, a 4-pyridyl group, a 2-furyl group, a 2-thienyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, a 2-benzothiazolyl group and the like can be mentioned. Examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, an iodine atom and the like, and among them, a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom are preferable. On the other hand, R 7 ~R 10Examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms shown by [the formula] include, specifically, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, an n-butyl group, an isobutyl group, a sec-butyl group, a tert-butyl group, an n-pentyl group, and an n-hexyl group.

[0105] Z 1 and Z 2 As described above, may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. For example, Z in the above formula (Ar-1) 1 and Z 2 Examples of the structure formed by bonding to each other to form an aromatic ring include a group represented by the following formula (Ar-1a). In the following formula (Ar-1a), * represents the bonding position with D in the above formula (I) 1 or D 2 and. [Chemical formula] Here, in the above formula (Ar-1a), Q 1 , Q 2 and Y 1 are the same as those described in the above formula (Ar-1).

[0106] Also, in the above formulas (Ar-2) and (Ar-3), A 3 and A 4 each independently represent a group selected from the group consisting of -O-, -N(R 13 )-, -S-, and -CO-, and R 13 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. R 13 Examples of the substituent represented by include the substituents described in the above-described substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0107] Also, in the above formula (Ar-2), X represents a non-metal atom of Groups 14 to 16. However, a hydrogen atom or a substituent may be bonded to the non-metal atom. In addition, examples of the Group 14-16 non-metal atoms represented by X include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a hydrogen atom, or a nitrogen atom to which a substituent is bonded [=N-R N1 , R N1 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.], a carbon atom to which a hydrogen atom or a substituent is bonded [=C-(R C1 ) 2 , R C1 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent.]. Examples of the substituent include the substituents described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl-substituted alkoxy group, a cyclic alkyl group, an aryl group (e.g., a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, etc.), a cyano group, an amino group, a nitro group, an alkylcarbonyl group, a sulfo group, a hydroxyl group, etc. can be mentioned.

[0108] In the above formula (Ar-3), D 7 and D 8 each independently represents a single bond or a divalent linking group composed of -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR 1 R 2 -, -CR 3 =CR 4 -, -NR 5 -, or a combination of two or more of these, and R 1 ~R 5 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. Here, examples of the divalent linking group are the same as those described for D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5 and D 6 in the above formula (I).

[0109] In the above formula (Ar-3), L 3 and L 4 each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms. However, -CH 2One or more of the "-"s may be replaced by -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N(Q)- or -CO-. Q represents a substituent. Examples of the substituent include those described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable. Here, as the aliphatic hydrocarbon group, L in the above formula (I) 1 and L 2 include the same ones as those described above.

[0110] In the above formula (Ar-3), P 3 and P 4 each independently represents a monovalent organic group, and at least one of P 3 and P 4 represents a polymerizable group. Examples of the monovalent organic group include the same ones as those described for P 1 and P 2 in the above formula (I). Examples of the polymerizable group include the same ones as those described for P 1 and P 2 in the above formula (I).

[0111] In the above formulas (Ar-4) to (Ar-5), Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring. In the above formulas (Ar-4) to (Ar-5), Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Here, the aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have substituents, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. Also, Q 3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms which may have a substituent. Examples of Ax and Ay include those described in paragraphs

[0039] to

[0095] of International Publication No. 2014 / 010325. Also, Q 3 Specific examples of the alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms represented by Q include, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group, tert-butyl group, n-pentyl group, and n-hexyl group. Examples of the substituent include those described in the above-mentioned substituent group A. Among them, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an alkylcarbonyloxy group, or a halogen atom is preferable.

[0112] Examples of the compound represented by the above formula (I) include polymerizable compounds described in paragraphs

[0019] to

[0023] of JP-A No. 2019-139222; polymerizable compounds described in paragraphs

[0059] to

[0061] of International Publication No. 2019 / 160014; polymerizable compounds described in paragraph

[0055] of International Publication No. 2019 / 160016; compounds (1-1) to compounds (1-19) represented by the following formula; compounds (2-1) to compounds (2-5) represented by the following formula; and the like. In the structure of compound (1-14), the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and compound (1-14) represents a mixture of positional isomers having different positions of the methyl group.

[0113]

Chemical formula

[0114]

Chemical formula

[0115]

Chemical formula

[0116]

Chemical formula

[0117]

Chem.

[0118]

Chem.

[0119]

Chem.

[0120] Examples of the compound represented by the above formula (I) include, for example, the compound represented by the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2010-084032 (particularly, the compounds described in paragraph numbers

[0067] to

[0073] ), the compound represented by the general formula (II) described in JP-A-2016-053709 (particularly, the compounds described in paragraph numbers

[0036] to

[0043] ), the compound represented by the general formula (1) described in JP-A-2016-081035 (particularly, the compounds described in paragraph numbers

[0043] to

[0055] ), and the compounds described in paragraphs

[0025] to

[0056] of International Publication No. 2021 / 060427.

[0121] 〔Solvent〕 As described above, the liquid crystal composition of the present invention contains a solvent. Examples of the solvent include ketones [e.g., acetone, 2-butanone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone (CPO), etc.], ethers [e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran (THF), propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), etc.], aliphatic hydrocarbons [e.g., hexane, etc.], alicyclic hydrocarbons [e.g., cyclohexane, etc.], aromatic hydrocarbons [e.g., toluene, xylene, trimethylbenzene, etc.], halogenated carbons [e.g., dichloromethane, dichloroethane, dichlorobenzene, chlorotoluene, etc.], esters [e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.], water, alcohols [e.g., methanol (MeOH), ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), butanol, cyclohexanol, etc.], cellosolves [e.g., methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, etc.], cellosolve acetates, sulfoxides [e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.], and amides [e.g., dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.]. These solvents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0122] [Polymerization initiator] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention preferably contains a polymerization initiator. As the polymerization initiator, a photopolymerization initiator capable of initiating a polymerization reaction by ultraviolet irradiation is preferred. Examples of the photoinitiator include α-carbonyl compounds (described in the specifications of U.S. Patent Nos. 2,367,661 and 2,367,670), acyloin ethers (described in the specification of U.S. Patent No. 2,448,828), α-hydrocarbon-substituted aromatic acyloin compounds (described in the specification of U.S. Patent No. 2,722,512), polynuclear quinone compounds (described in the specifications of U.S. Patent Nos. 3,046,127 and 2,951,758), a combination of a triarylimidazole dimer and p-aminophenyl ketone (described in the specification of U.S. Patent No. 3,549,367), acridine and phenazine compounds (described in JP-A-60-105667 and the specification of U.S. Patent No. 4,239,850), oxadiazole compounds (described in the specification of U.S. Patent No. 4,212,970), acylphosphine oxide compounds (described in JP-B-63-40799, JP-B-5-29234, JP-A-10-95788, and JP-A-10-29997), and the like. As the polymerization initiator, an oxime-based polymerization initiator is also preferable. Specific examples thereof include the initiators described in paragraphs

[0049] to

[0052] of International Publication No. 2017 / 170443.

[0123] [Other Components] The liquid crystal composition of the present invention may contain other components in addition to the above-described components. Examples of the other components include a tilt angle controller, a plasticizer, and a crosslinking agent.

[0124] [Liquid Crystal Cured Film] The liquid crystal cured film of the present invention is a liquid crystal cured film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the above-described liquid crystal composition of the present invention. Examples of the method for forming the liquid crystal cured film include a method in which, after setting a desired alignment state using the above-described liquid crystal composition of the present invention, the alignment state is fixed by polymerization. Here, the conditions for achieving the desired alignment state are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to perform a heat treatment, and it is more preferable to perform a cooling treatment after the heat treatment. From the viewpoint of manufacturing suitability and the like, the heating temperature in the heat treatment is preferably 10 to 250°C, more preferably 50 to 200°C, and even more preferably 70 to 150°C. Also, the heating time in the heat treatment is preferably 1 to 300 seconds, more preferably 1 to 60 seconds. Further, the temperature in the cooling treatment after the heat treatment is not particularly limited as long as it is lower than the heating temperature in the heat treatment, but it is preferably room temperature (23°C) to 80°C. Also, the conditions for the above polymerization are not particularly limited, but in the polymerization by light irradiation, it is preferable to use ultraviolet rays. The irradiation amount is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 ~50 J / cm 2 and more preferably 20 mJ / cm 2 ~5 J / cm 2 and even more preferably 30 mJ / cm 2 ~3 J / cm 2 and particularly preferably 50 to 1000 mJ / cm 2 Also, in order to promote the polymerization reaction, it may be carried out under heating conditions.

[0125] As the alignment state of the liquid crystal compound in the liquid crystal cured film of the present invention, any of horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, tilted alignment, and twisted alignment may be used. However, for the reason that the surface unevenness of the liquid crystal cured film is suppressed, the liquid crystal cured film of the present invention is preferably a liquid crystal cured layer formed by fixing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound in a vertically aligned state. Here, the vertical alignment when the liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is also called homeotropic alignment, and means an alignment in which the angle formed by the surface (main surface) of the optically anisotropic layer and the director of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is within the range of 70° to 90°, and an alignment within the range of 80° to 90° is preferable, and an alignment within the range of 85° to 90° is more preferable. In addition, the vertical alignment in the case where the liquid crystal compound is a discotic liquid crystal compound means an alignment in which the angle formed between the surface (main surface) of the optically anisotropic layer and the disc surface of the discotic liquid crystal compound is within the range of 70° to 90°, an alignment within the range of 80° to 90° is preferable, and an alignment within the range of 85° to 90° is more preferable.

[0126] The liquid crystal cured film of the present invention is preferably a positive C-plate. Here, the positive C-plate (positive C-plate) is defined as follows. That is, the positive C-plate satisfies the relationship of formula (C1) when the refractive index in the direction of the slow axis in the film plane (the direction in which the refractive index in the plane is maximum) is nx, the refractive index in the direction orthogonal to the slow axis in the plane is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz. Note that the positive C-plate shows a negative value for Rth. Formula (C1) nz>nx≒ny Note that the above “≒” includes not only the case where both are exactly the same but also the case where both are substantially the same. “Substantially the same” means, for example, that (nx - ny) × d (where d is the film thickness) is within the range of 0 to 10 nm, preferably 0 to 5 nm, is also included in “nx≒ny”.

[0127] The thickness of the liquid crystal cured film of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 μm.

[0128] [Optical film] The optical film of the present invention is an optical film having the liquid crystal cured film of the present invention.

[0129] [Substrate] The optical film of the present invention may have a substrate for supporting the liquid crystal cured film of the present invention. Such a substrate is preferably transparent. Note that “transparent” as used in the present invention means that the transmittance of visible light is 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0130] In the present invention, the above-described substrate is preferably a positive A plate because the display performance is good when used in an image display device (particularly, a liquid crystal display device). Here, in this specification, the positive A plate is defined as follows. That is, in a positive A plate (positive A plate), when the refractive index in the slow axis direction (the direction in which the refractive index in the film plane is maximum) in the film plane is nx, the refractive index in the direction orthogonal to the slow axis in the plane is ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction is nz, it satisfies the relationship of formula (A1). Note that the positive A plate shows a positive value for Rth. Formula (A1) nx>ny≒nz Note that the above “≒” includes not only the case where both are completely identical but also the case where both are substantially identical. “Substantially identical” means, for example, when (ny - nz)×d (where d is the film thickness) is in the range of -10 to 10 nm, preferably -5 to 5 nm, it is also included in “ny≒nz”.

[0131] Further, in the present invention, the above-described substrate is preferably a liquid crystal cured layer (particularly, an optically anisotropic layer) different from the liquid crystal cured film of the present invention. Examples of the liquid crystal cured layer include a liquid crystal cured layer formed by fixing the alignment state (particularly, the homeotropic alignment state) of a liquid crystal compound contained in a liquid crystal composition not containing the above-described surfactant; and the like. Here, regarding the homeotropic alignment, the homeotropic alignment when the liquid crystal compound is a rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is also called a homogeneous alignment, and means an alignment in which the angle formed by the surface (main surface) of the liquid crystal cured layer and the director of the rod-shaped liquid crystal compound is in the range of 0° to 20°, preferably in the range of 0° to 10°, and more preferably in the range of 0° to 5°. Also, the homeotropic alignment when the liquid crystal compound is a discotic liquid crystal compound means an alignment in which the angle formed by the surface (main surface) of the liquid crystal cured layer and the disc plane of the discotic liquid crystal compound is in the range of 0° to 20°, preferably in the range of 0° to 10°, and more preferably in the range of 0° to 5°. In addition, the optical film of the present invention may have such a liquid crystal cured layer as a layer structure other than the above-described base material.

[0132] Furthermore, in the present invention, as the above-described base material, a polymer film described in the support described later may be used, or an alignment film described later may be used.

[0133] 〔Support〕 When the optical film of the present invention has the above-described other liquid crystal cured layer (optically anisotropic layer) as the above-described base material, it may have a support for supporting the other liquid crystal cured layer. Such a support is preferably transparent. Note that "transparent" as used in the present invention means that the transmittance of visible light is 60% or more, preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0134] Examples of the above-described support include a glass substrate and a polymer film. Examples of the material of the polymer film include cellulose-based polymers; acrylic-based polymers having acrylic ester polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate and lactone ring-containing polymers; thermoplastic norbornene-based polymers; polycarbonate-based polymers; polyester-based polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene naphthalate; styrene-based polymers such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS resin); polyolefin-based polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymer; vinyl chloride-based polymers; amide-based polymers such as nylon and aromatic polyamide; imide-based polymers; sulfone-based polymers; polyethersulfone-based polymers; polyetheretherketone-based polymers; polyphenylene sulfide-based polymers; vinylidene chloride-based polymers; vinyl alcohol-based polymers; vinyl butyral-based polymers; allylate-based polymers; polyoxymethylene-based polymers; epoxy-based polymers; and polymers obtained by mixing these polymers. The thickness of the above-described support is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 200 μm, and more preferably 2 to 100 μm.

[0135] [[Alignment film]] In the optical film of the present invention, the liquid crystal cured film and any other liquid crystal cured layer may be formed on the surface of an alignment film (particularly, the photo-alignment film described later).

[0136] The alignment film may be any film as long as it has a function of aligning the liquid crystal compounds contained in the composition. Generally, the alignment film is mainly composed of a polymer. There are descriptions of a number of polymer materials for alignment films in many documents, and a number of commercially available products can be obtained. As the polymer material for the alignment film, polyvinyl alcohol, polyimide, or derivatives of any of them are preferable, and modified or unmodified polyvinyl alcohol is more preferable. Examples of the alignment film that the optical film may have include, for example, the alignment film described in International Publication No. 01 / 88574, pages 43, line 24 to page 49, line 8; the alignment film made of modified polyvinyl alcohol described in paragraphs

[0071] to

[0095] of Japanese Patent No. 3907735; and the liquid crystal alignment film formed by the liquid crystal aligning agent described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-155308; etc.

[0137] Since no object contacts the surface of the alignment film during the formation of the alignment film, it is possible to prevent surface deterioration, so it is preferable to use a photo-alignment film as the alignment film. The photo-alignment film is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, an alignment film formed of a polymer material such as a polyamide compound and a polyimide compound described in paragraphs

[0024] to

[0043] of International Publication No. 2005 / 096041; a liquid crystal alignment film formed by a liquid crystal aligning agent having a photo-aligning group described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-155308; and products such as the product name LPP-JP265CP manufactured by Rolic Technologies can be used.

[0138] The thickness of the above alignment film is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.01 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.01 to 1 μm, and still more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 μm.

[0139] [Polarizing plate] The polarizing plate preferably has the above-described optical film of the present invention and a polarizer.

[0140] [Polarizer] The polarizer included in the polarizing plate is not particularly limited as long as it has a function of converting light into specific linearly polarized light, and conventionally known absorption type polarizers and reflection type polarizers can be used. As the absorption type polarizer, iodine-based polarizers, dye-based polarizers using dichroic dyes, polyene-based polarizers, etc. are used. Iodine-based polarizers and dye-based polarizers include coating type polarizers and stretched type polarizers, both of which can be applied, but a polarizer produced by adsorbing iodine or a dichroic dye on polyvinyl alcohol and stretching it is preferred. In addition, as a method of obtaining a polarizer by stretching and dyeing in the state of a laminated film in which a polyvinyl alcohol layer is formed on a substrate, Patent No. 5048120, Patent No. 5143918, Patent No. 4691205, Patent No. 4751481, Patent No. 4751486 can be cited, and known techniques related to these polarizers can also be preferably used. As the reflection type polarizer, a polarizer in which thin films having different birefringences are laminated, a wire grid type polarizer, a polarizer in which a cholesteric liquid crystal having a selective reflection region and a quarter wavelength plate are combined, etc. are used. Among them, in terms of better adhesion, a polarizer containing a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin (a polymer containing -CH 2 -CHOH- as a repeating unit. In particular, it is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer) is preferred.

[0141] In the present invention, the thickness of the polarizer is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 5 to 40 μm, more preferably 5 to 30 μm, and even more preferably 5 to 20 μm. With the above thickness, it becomes possible to cope with the thinning of the display device.

[0142] [Image display device] The image display device of the present invention is an image display device having the optical film or polarizing plate of the present invention (hereinafter, these are collectively abbreviated as "the optical film etc. of the present invention"). The display element used in the image display device is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a liquid crystal cell, an organic electroluminescence (hereinafter abbreviated as "EL (Electro Luminescence)") display panel, and a plasma display panel. Among these, a liquid crystal cell and an organic EL display panel are preferable, and a liquid crystal cell is more preferable. That is, as the image display device, a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell as a display element or an organic EL display device using an organic EL display panel as a display element is preferable, and a liquid crystal display device is more preferable.

[0143] 〔Liquid Crystal Display Device〕 An example of the image display device, a liquid crystal display device, is a liquid crystal display device having the optical film etc. of the present invention and a liquid crystal cell. Among the polarizing plates provided on both sides of the liquid crystal cell, it is preferable to use the optical film etc. of the present invention as the front-side polarizing plate, and it is more preferable to use the optical film etc. of the present invention as the front-side and rear-side polarizing plates. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal cell constituting the liquid crystal display device will be described in detail.

[0144] <Liquid Crystal Cell> The liquid crystal cell used in the liquid crystal display device is preferably in a VA (Vertical Alignment) mode, an OCB (Optically Compensated Bend) mode, an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) mode, an FFS (Fringe-Field-Switching) mode, or a TN (Twisted Nematic) mode, but is not limited thereto. In a TN-mode liquid crystal cell, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially horizontally aligned and further twisted and aligned at 60 to 120°. TN-mode liquid crystal cells are most widely used as color TFT liquid crystal display devices and are described in many documents. In a liquid crystal cell of the VA mode, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically aligned when no voltage is applied. The liquid crystal cells of the VA mode include, in addition to (1) a liquid crystal cell of the narrow sense VA mode (described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-176625) that aligns rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules substantially vertically when no voltage is applied and substantially horizontally when a voltage is applied, (2) a liquid crystal cell (of the MVA mode) in which the VA mode is multi-domainized for widening the viewing angle (described in SID97, Digest of tech.Papers (preliminary collection) 28 (1997) 845), (3) a liquid crystal cell of the mode (n-ASM mode) in which rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially vertically aligned when no voltage is applied and are twisted multi-domain aligned when a voltage is applied (described in the preliminary collection of the Japanese Liquid Crystal Symposium 58-59 (1998)), and (4) a liquid crystal cell of the SURVIVAL mode (presented at LCD International 98). Further, the liquid crystal cell of the VA mode may be any of PVA (Patterned Vertical Alignment) type, optical alignment type, and PSA (Polymer-Sustained Alignment). Details of these modes are described in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-215326 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-538819. In a liquid crystal cell of the IPS mode, rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules are substantially parallel to the substrate, and the liquid crystal molecules respond planar by applying an electric field parallel to the substrate surface. The IPS mode is black display in the state where no electric field is applied, and the absorption axes of the pair of upper and lower polarizing plates are orthogonal. Methods for reducing leakage light during black display in an oblique direction and improving the viewing angle by using an optical compensation sheet are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-54982, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-202323, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-292522, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-133408, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-305217, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-307291, etc.

[0145] As an organic EL display device which is an example of an image display device, for example, a mode having, in this order from the viewing side, the polarizing plate of the present invention (a polarizing plate having a polarizer disposed on the viewing side) and an organic EL display panel can be mentioned. ​An organic EL display panel is a display panel configured using an organic EL element in which an organic light-emitting layer (organic electroluminescence layer) is sandwiched between electrodes (between a cathode and an anode). The configuration of the organic EL display panel is not particularly limited, and a known configuration is adopted.

Example

[0146] The present invention will be described in more detail based on the following examples. The materials, amounts used, ratios, treatment details, treatment procedures, etc. shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed as long as they do not depart from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the examples shown below.

[0147] [Example 1] [Preparation of cellulose acetate film (support)] [Preparation of core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1] The following composition was put into a mixing tank and stirred to dissolve each component, thereby preparing core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1. ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1 ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · 100 parts by mass of cellulose acetate with an acetyl substitution degree of 2.88 · 12 parts by mass of the following polyester · 4 parts by mass of the following durability improver · 430 parts by mass of methylene chloride (first solvent) · 64 parts by mass of methanol (second solvent) ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0148] Polyester (number average molecular weight 800)

Chemical formula

[0149] Durability improver [Chemical]

[0150] [Preparation of Outer Layer Cellulose Acetate Dopant 1] To 90 parts by mass of the above core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1, 10 parts by mass of the following matting agent dispersion liquid 1 was added to prepare the outer layer cellulose acetate dopant 1. ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Matting Agent Dispersion Liquid 1 ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · Silica particles with an average particle size of 20 nm (AEROSIL R972, manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd.) 2 parts by mass · Methylene chloride (first solvent) 76 parts by mass · Methanol (second solvent) 11 parts by mass · Core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1 1 part by mass ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0151] [Preparation of Cellulose Acetate Film 1 (Support)] The above core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1 and the above outer layer cellulose acetate dopant 1 were filtered using filter paper with an average pore size of 34 μm and a sintered metal filter with an average pore size of 10 μm. Then, using a band casting machine, the above core layer cellulose acetate dopant 1 and the outer layer cellulose acetate dopant 1 on both sides thereof were simultaneously cast from the casting port onto a drum at 20 °C in three layers. Next, in a state where the solvent content of the film on the drum was approximately 20% by mass, the film was peeled off from the drum. Both ends in the width direction of the obtained film were fixed with tenter clips, and in a state where the solvent content of the film was 3 to 15% by mass, the film was stretched 1.1 times in the width direction and dried. Thereafter, the obtained film was further dried by conveying it between the rolls of a heat treatment apparatus to produce a cellulose acylate film 1 with a film thickness of 40 μm. As a result of measuring the retardation of the cellulose acylate film 1, Re(550) = 1 nm and Rth(550) = -5 nm.

[0152] [Preparation of the photo-alignment film 1 and the optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate)] <Preparation of the photo-alignment film composition 1> The photo-alignment film composition 1 having the following composition was prepared. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Liquid crystal alignment film composition 1 ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · 100 parts by mass of the following copolymer C1 · 3.57 parts by mass of the following thermal acid generator D1 · 0.36 parts by mass of the following stabilizer DIPEA · 714 parts by mass of butyl acetate · 476 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0153] · Copolymer C1 (weight average molecular weight: 40,000)

Chemical formula

[0154] · Thermal acid generator D1

Chemical formula

[0155] · Stabilizer DIPEA

Chemical formula

[0156] <Preparation of the composition 1 for forming the optically anisotropic layer> The composition 1 for forming an optically anisotropic layer having the following composition was prepared.

[0157] ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Composition 1 for forming an optically anisotropic layer ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · 27.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R1 · 20.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R2 · 20.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R3 · 16.50 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R4 · 16.50 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R5 · 15.00 parts by mass of the following additive M1 · 3.00 parts by mass of the following additive M2 · 0.50 parts by mass of the following polymerization initiator S1 · 0.09 parts by mass of the following leveling agent P1 · 179.67 parts by mass of cyclopentanone · 53.67 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0158] Liquid crystal compound R1 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.58]

Chemical formula

[0159] Liquid crystal compound R2 (in the following formula, t-Bu represents a tert-butyl group.) [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.68]

Chemical formula

[0160] Liquid crystal compound R3 [in the following formula, the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group).] [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.80]

Chem.

[0161] Liquid crystal compound R4 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

Chem.

[0162] Liquid crystal compound R5 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.02]

Chem.

[0163] Additive M1

Chem.

[0164] Additive M2

Chem.

[0165] Polymerization initiator S1

Chem.

[0166] Leveling agent P1 [In the following formula, the numbers indicate the content (mass%) of each repeating unit with respect to all repeating units in the leveling agent P1.]

Chem.

[0167] <Preparation of the photo-alignment film 1 and the optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate)> On one side of the prepared cellulose acetate film 1 (substrate), the previously prepared composition 1 for the photo-alignment film was continuously coated with a bar coater. After coating, it was dried for 1 minute in a heating zone at 120 °C to remove the solvent, and a photo-isomerization composition layer with a thickness of 0.3 μm was formed. Next, while winding it around a mirror-finished backup roll, polarized ultraviolet irradiation (10 mJ / cm 2 , using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) was performed to form the photo-alignment film 1. Next, on the photo-alignment film 1 formed in a long strip shape, the previously prepared composition 1 for forming the optically anisotropic layer was coated with a bar coater to form a composition layer. Also, the temperature of the coating chamber was set to 23 °C. The formed composition layer was heated to 120 °C in a heating zone and then cooled to 60 °C. Thereafter, while maintaining the temperature, ultraviolet irradiation (300 mJ / cm 2 , using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) was performed in a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm) to fix the orientation, and an optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate) with a thickness of 2.2 μm was produced. The obtained optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate) had a peel strength at the interface with the photo-alignment film 1 of 0.05 N / 25 mm. When the optically anisotropic layer 1 was peeled off and measured, the slow axis direction was the longitudinal direction of the film, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 130 nm, Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.85, and it was confirmed that the optically anisotropic layer 1 was a positive A plate.

[0168] 〔Formation of the liquid crystal cured film 1 (production of the optical film)〕 <Preparation of the composition 1 for forming the liquid crystal cured film> The composition 1 for forming the liquid crystal cured film having the following composition was prepared.

[0169] ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Composition 1 for forming the liquid crystal cured film ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · 24.80 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R1 · 24.80 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R2 · 10.00 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R3 ·20.20 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R4 ·20.20 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R5 ·15.00 parts by mass of the above additive M1 ·3.00 parts by mass of the following boronic acid monomer B1 ·8.00 parts by mass of the following DPHA-76 (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) ·3.00 parts by mass of the above polymerization initiator S1 ·0.042 parts by mass of the following leveling agent P2-1 ·0.21 parts by mass of the following leveling agent P2-2 ·232.96 parts by mass of cyclopentanone ·116.48 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone ·19.41 parts by mass of isopropyl alcohol ·19.41 parts by mass of methanol ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0170] Boronic acid monomer B1

Chemical formula

[0171] DPHA-76

Chemical formula

[0172] Leveling agent P2-1 [weight average molecular weight: 20,000. The numbers in the following formula indicate the content (mass%) of each repeating unit with respect to all the repeating units in the leveling agent P2-1.]

Chemical formula

[0173] Leveling agent P2-2 [weight average molecular weight: 30,000. The numbers in the following formula indicate the content (mass%) of each repeating unit with respect to all the repeating units in the leveling agent P2-2.] [Chemistry]

[0174] <Formation of Liquid Crystal Hardening Film 1> On the surface of the air interface side (opposite side to the photo-alignment film 1) of the optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate), corona treatment was performed at a discharge amount of 150 W·min / m 2 . Next, the liquid crystal hardening film forming composition 1 prepared previously was applied by a die coater onto the surface subjected to the corona treatment to form a composition layer. Then, for drying the solvent of the composition and for the alignment ripening of the liquid crystal compound, heating was performed at 65 °C for 60 seconds. Under nitrogen purge, ultraviolet irradiation (150 mJ / cm 2 ) was performed at 50 °C to fix the alignment, and a liquid crystal hardening film 1 with a thickness of 1.5 μm was formed, and an optical film [layer structure: cellulose acylate film 1 (support) / photo-alignment film 1 / optically anisotropic layer 1 (substrate) / liquid crystal hardening film 1] was produced. In this way, the laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 1 and the liquid crystal hardening film 1 was peeled off from the produced optical film, the retardation of the laminate was measured, and by subtracting the retardation of the optically anisotropic layer 1 measured in advance, the retardation of the liquid crystal hardening film 1 was calculated. As a result, the retardation RthC(550) in the thickness direction was -90 nm, RthC(450) / RthC(550) was 0.88, and it was confirmed that the liquid crystal hardening film 1 was a positive C plate (nz > nx = ny).

[0175] [Examples 2 to 17] A liquid crystal hardening film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the liquid crystal hardening film forming composition were set to the types and contents described in Table 1 below.

[0176] [Example 18] A liquid crystal hardening film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the five types of liquid crystal compounds used in the liquid crystal hardening film forming composition 1 were changed to the following liquid crystal compound R6 and the blending amount was set to 100 parts by mass. <Liquid Crystal Compound R6> [Chemical formula]

[0177] [Examples 19 - 20] A liquid crystal cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the composition for forming the liquid crystal cured film were those described in Table 1 below.

[0178] [Example 21] A liquid crystal cured film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the five liquid crystal compounds used in the composition 1 for forming the liquid crystal cured film were changed to the following liquid crystal compound R7 and the blending amount was 100 parts by mass. [Liquid crystal compound R7] [Chemical formula]

[0179] [Example 22] [Preparation of the optical anisotropic layer 2 (substrate)] [Preparation of the composition 2 for forming the optical anisotropic layer] The composition 2 for forming the optical anisotropic layer having the following composition was prepared.

[0180] ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Composition 2 for forming the optical anisotropic layer ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · 42.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R8 · 42.00 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R3 · 12.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R9 · 4.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound T1 · 0.50 part by mass of the above polymerization initiator S1 · 0.20 part by mass of the following leveling agent P1 - 2 · 2.00 parts by mass of Hisolve MTEM (manufactured by Toho Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) · NK Ester A-200 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) 1.00 part by mass · Methyl ethyl ketone 424.80 parts by mass ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0181] Note that the group adjacent to the acryloyloxy group of the following liquid crystal compound R8 represents a propylene group (a group in which a methyl group is substituted with an ethylene group), and the following liquid crystal compound R8 represents a mixture of positional isomers having different positions of the methyl group.

[0182] Liquid crystal compound R8 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 0.75]

Chemical formula

[0183] Liquid crystal compound R9 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

Chemical formula

[0184] Liquid crystal compound T1 [Δn(450) / Δn(550): 1.03]

Chemical formula

[0185] Leveling agent P1-2 [In the following formula: 32.5 and 67.5 indicate the content (mass%) of each repeating unit with respect to all repeating units in the leveling agent P1.]

Chemical formula

[0186] <Preparation of the optically anisotropic layer 2 (substrate)>[[]] In the same manner as in Example 1, an optical alignment film 1 was formed on a cellulose acylate film 1 (support). Next, the previously prepared composition 2 for forming an optically anisotropic layer was applied onto the photo-aligned film 1 using a die coater to form a composition layer. After heating the formed composition layer to a temperature at which it exhibits an isotropic phase, it was cooled to stabilize the alignment at a temperature at which it exhibits a smectic phase. Then, while maintaining the temperature, ultraviolet irradiation (500 mJ / cm 2 ; using an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp) was performed under a nitrogen atmosphere (oxygen concentration 100 ppm) to fix the alignment and form an optically anisotropic layer 2 (substrate) with a thickness of 2 μm. The obtained optically anisotropic layer 2 had a peeling force of 0.05 N / 25 mm at the interface with the liquid crystal alignment film. When the retardation of the optically anisotropic layer 2 was measured by peeling, the slow axis direction was the longitudinal direction of the film, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 130 nm, Re(450) / Re(550) was 0.85, and it was confirmed that the optically anisotropic layer 2 was a positive A-plate.

[0187] 〔Formation of Liquid Crystal Curing Film 22 (Fabrication of Optical Film)〕 <Preparation of Composition 22 for Forming Liquid Crystal Curing Film> A composition 22 for forming a liquid crystal curing film having the following composition was prepared. ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― Composition 22 for Forming Liquid Crystal Curing Film ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――― · 10.00 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R8 · 54.00 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R3 · 28.00 parts by mass of the following liquid crystal compound R10 · 8.00 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound T1 · 4.50 parts by mass of the above boronic acid monomer B1 · 12.00 parts by mass of NK Ester A-600 (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) · 1.50 parts by mass of the above polymerization initiator S1 · 0.034 parts by mass of the above leveling agent P2-1 · 0.17 parts by mass of the above leveling agent P2-2 · 225.00 parts by mass of methyl ethyl ketone · 25.00 parts by mass of methanol ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

[0188] Liquid crystal compound R10 [a mixture of the following liquid crystal compounds (RA), (RB), and (RC) in a mass ratio of 83:15:2] [Chemical formula]

[0189] <Formation of the liquid crystal cured film 22> On the surface of the air interface side (the side opposite to the photo-alignment film 1) of the optically anisotropic layer 2 (substrate), corona treatment was performed at a discharge amount of 150 W·min / m 2 ². Next, the liquid crystal cured film forming composition 22 prepared previously was applied by a die coater onto the surface subjected to corona treatment to form a composition layer. Then, for drying the solvent of the composition and for the orientation ripening of the liquid crystal compound, heating was performed at 65 °C for 60 seconds. Under nitrogen purge, ultraviolet irradiation (150 mJ / cm 2 ²) was performed at 50 °C to fix the orientation, and a liquid crystal cured film 22 with a thickness of 1.5 μm was formed, and an optical film [layer structure: cellulose acylate film 1 (support) / photo-alignment film 1 / optically anisotropic layer 2 (substrate) / liquid crystal cured film 22] was produced. In this way, the laminate of the optically anisotropic layer 2 and the liquid crystal cured film 22 was peeled off from the produced optical film, the retardation of the laminate was measured, and by subtracting the retardation of the optically anisotropic layer 2 measured in advance, the retardation of the liquid crystal cured film 22 was calculated. As a result, the retardation RthC(550) in the thickness direction was -90 nm, and RthC(450) / RthC(550) was 0.88, and it was confirmed that the liquid crystal cured film 22 was a positive C-plate (nz > nx = ny).

[0190] [Example 23] [Formation of the liquid crystal cured film 23 (Production of the optical film)] <Preparation of the liquid crystal cured film forming composition 23> The liquid crystal cured film forming composition 23 having the following composition was prepared. ────────────────────────────────────── Composition 23 for forming a liquid crystal hard film ────────────────────────────────────── · 100.0 parts by mass of the above liquid crystal compound R10 · 5.0 parts by mass of the following photoinitiator S2 · 2.0 parts by mass of the following photoinitiator S3 · 2.0 parts by mass of the following alignment aid A1 · 4.5 parts by mass of the above boronic acid monomer B1 · 8.0 parts by mass of the following A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) · 0.1 part by mass of the above leveling agent P2-1 · 0.5 part by mass of the above leveling agent P2-2 · 426.0 parts by mass of acetone · 49.0 parts by mass of PGMEA · 14.7 parts by mass of methanol ──────────────────────────────────────

[0191] Photoinitiator S2 [Chemical formula]

[0192] Photoinitiator S3 [Chemical formula]

[0193] Alignment aid A1 [Chemical formula]

[0194] A-TMMT (manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.) [Chemical formula]

[0195] <Formation of Liquid Crystal Hardening Film 23> On one side of a cycloolefin polymer film (Re = 134 nm, Rth = 67 nm, manufactured by JSR Corporation) as a substrate, corona treatment was performed at a discharge amount of 125 W·min / m 2 Then, the liquid crystal hardening film forming composition 23 prepared previously was applied with a #3.6 wire bar on the surface subjected to the corona treatment. Next, for drying the solvent of the composition and for the orientation ripening of the liquid crystal compound, after heating with warm air at 70 °C for 90 seconds, ultraviolet irradiation (300 mJ / cm 2 ) was performed at 40 °C under nitrogen purge with an oxygen concentration of 0.1% to fix the orientation of the liquid crystal compound and form the liquid crystal hardening film 23, and an optical film [layer structure: COP film (substrate) / liquid crystal hardening film 23] was produced. When the retardation of the obtained optical film was measured, the in-plane retardation Re(550) was 134 nm, and the retardation Rth(550) in the thickness direction was -28 nm. Also, Re(450) / Re(550) was 1.01, and Rth(450) / Rth(550) was 1.06. That is, the in-plane retardation Re(550) of the liquid crystal hardening film 23 was 0 nm, and the retardation Rth(550) in the thickness direction was -95 nm, and it was confirmed that the liquid crystal hardening film 23 was a positive C plate (nz > nx = ny).

[0196] [Comparative Examples 1 to 3] A liquid crystal hardening film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the type and content (parts by mass) of the leveling agent contained in the liquid crystal hardening film forming composition were the types and contents described in Table 1 below.

[0197] [Reference Example 1] A liquid crystal hardening film was formed and an optical film was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the leveling agent contained in the liquid crystal hardening film forming composition and its parts by mass were replaced with the leveling agent and its parts by mass in Table 1 below.

[0198] [Evaluation] (1) Surface Tension The surface tensions of the liquid crystal curable film-forming compositions prepared in Examples 1 to 23, Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and Reference Example 1 were measured by the method described above. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0199] (2) Planar unevenness Regarding planar unevenness, the liquid crystal cured films prepared in Examples 1 to 23, Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and Reference Example 1 were inserted between polarizing plates, and the samples were observed under crossed nicols and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 below. <Evaluation criteria> A: No unevenness is visually recognized B: Unevenness is visually recognized, but the area is 10% or less B-: Unevenness is visually recognized, but the area is more than 10% and 20% or less C: Unevenness is visually recognized, and the area is more than 20%

[0200] (3) Alignment defect Regarding alignment defects, the liquid crystal cured films prepared in Examples 1 to 23, Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and Reference Example 1 were inserted between polarizing plates, and the samples were observed under crossed nicols and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 below. <Evaluation criteria> A: No repelling is visually recognized B: Repelling is visually recognized, but there is 1 or less per 100 square centimeters C: Repelling is visually recognized, but there are 2 or more per 100 square centimeters

[0201] (4) Adhesion to adjacent layer A cellulose acetate film (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation, Fujitac TD40ULC) was immersed in a 1.5 mol / L aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (saponification solution) adjusted to 37°C for 1 minute, then the film was washed with water, and then immersed in a 0.05 mol / L sulfuric acid aqueous solution for 30 seconds, and further passed through a water bath. Then, water drainage by an air knife was repeated 3 times, and after dropping the water, it was left in a drying zone at 70°C for 15 seconds to dry, and a saponified cellulose acetate film was prepared. Next, according to Example 1 of JP-A-2001-141926, a speed difference in the circumferential direction was given between two pairs of nip rolls, and stretching was performed in the longitudinal direction to produce a polarizer having a thickness of 12 μm. Next, using the liquid crystal cured films produced in Examples 1 to 23, Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and Reference Example 1, and the saponified cellulose acetate film produced above, after sandwiching the polarizer produced above, a 3% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (manufactured by Kuraray, PVA-117H) was used as an adhesive, and roll-to-roll lamination was performed so that the absorption axis of the polarizer and the longitudinal direction of the film and the cured film were parallel (layer structure: liquid crystal cured film / polyvinyl alcohol / polarizer / polyvinyl alcohol / cellulose acetate film). Here, one surface of the polarizer was such that the coating surface of the cured film was on the polarizer side, and the other surface of the polarizer was the cellulose acetate film. Next, for Examples 1 to 22, Comparative Examples 1 to 3, and Reference Example 1, after curing by drying at 70°C for 10 minutes after lamination, the cellulose acetate film on the liquid crystal cured film side was peeled off to produce a polarizing plate for evaluation. For Example 23, a polarizing plate for evaluation was produced by curing by drying at 70°C for 10 minutes after lamination. Regarding the produced polarizing plate, 100 base squares were made at 1 mm intervals on the surface of the cured film, and an adhesion test was performed using cellophane tape (manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.). After peeling off the newly attached cellophane tape, the determination was made according to the following criteria. The base squares were made by making cuts from the cured film side to reach the surface of the polarizer. The results are shown in Table 1 below. A: No peeling of the masses in the base squares occurs B: The proportion of those without peeling of the masses in the base squares is 50% or more and less than 100% C: The proportion of those without peeling of the masses in the base squares is less than 50%

[0202] [Table 1]

[0203] In Table 1, regarding the structure of the leveling agent, the structure of each repeating unit constituting the leveling agent is shown below.

[0204] Repeating unit a1

Chemical formula

[0205] Repeating unit a2

Chemical formula

[0206] Repeating unit a3

Chemical formula

[0207] Repeating unit b1

Chemical formula

[0208] Repeating unit c1

Chemical formula

[0209] Repeating unit d1

Chemical formula

[0210] Repeating unit e1 (used in Reference Example 1)

Chemical formula

[0211] Repeating unit e2 (used in Reference Example 1)

Chemical formula

[0212] From the results shown in Table 1, it was found that when only one kind of leveling agent composed of a polymer with the content of repeating unit A exceeding 65% by mass and less than 95% by mass was blended, the orientation defects could not be suppressed and the adhesion to the adjacent layer was also poor (Comparative Example 1). Also, when only one kind of leveling agent composed of a polymer with the content of repeating unit A exceeding 35% by mass and less than 55% by mass was blended, it was found that the planar unevenness could not be suppressed (Comparative Example 2). Moreover, even when two or more kinds of leveling agents composed of polymers having repeating unit A were blended, when the mass ratio represented by X / Y was 1.0, it was found that the orientation defects could not be suppressed and the adhesion to the adjacent layer was also poor (Comparative Example 3). In addition, when two or more kinds of fluorine-based leveling agents that could be subject to PFAS regulations were blended, it was found that both the planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film and the orientation defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound could be suppressed (Reference Example 1).

[0213] In contrast, two or more kinds of leveling agents composed of polymers having repeating unit A were blended, and the mass ratio represented by X / Y was 0 <x y<1.0を満たしていると、フッ素系のレベリング剤を用いなくても、液晶硬化膜における面状ムラと重合性液晶化合物の配向欠陥とをいずれも抑制することができることが分かった(実施例1~23)。In particular, from the comparison of Examples 1 to 7, the mass ratio represented by X / Y is 0.1 <x y<0.4を満たしていると、重合性液晶化合物の配向欠陥がより抑制され、液晶硬化膜に隣接する隣接層との密着性が良好となることが分かった。Also, from the comparison between Examples 1, 8, and 9, it was found that when the surface tension of the liquid crystal curable film-forming composition is lower than 24.0 mN / m, planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed, and when it is lower than 23.0 mN / m, planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is further suppressed. Also, from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 10, it was found that when the surface tension of the liquid crystal curable film-forming composition is higher than 21.0 mN / m, alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed, and the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film is good. Also, from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 9, when the content of repeating unit A in the polymer having the highest content of repeating unit A is more than 65% by mass with respect to all repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer, it was found that planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed. From the comparison between Example 1 and Example 11, when the content of repeating unit A in the polymer having the highest content of repeating unit A is less than 95% by mass with respect to all repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer, it was found that alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed, and the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film is good. Also, from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 12, when the content of repeating unit A in the polymer having the lowest content of repeating unit A is less than 55% by mass with respect to all repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer, it was found that the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film is good. From the comparison between Example 1 and Example 13, when the content of repeating unit A in the polymer having the lowest content of repeating unit A is more than 35% by mass with respect to all repeating units (100% by mass) constituting the main chain of the polymer, it was found that planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed. Also, from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 14, it was found that when the weight average molecular weight of the polymer having repeating unit A is more than 10,000, planar unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film is more suppressed. From the comparison between Example 1 and Example 15, it was found that when the weight average molecular weight of the polymer having repeating unit A is less than 40,000, alignment defects of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound are more suppressed. Further, from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 16, among the leveling agents (polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is a copolymer having a repeating unit B containing a mesogen group together with the repeating unit A. It was found that the surface unevenness in the liquid crystal cured film was more suppressed and the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film was good. Further, from the comparison between Example 1 and Example 17, among the leveling agents (polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom) contained in the liquid crystal composition of the present invention, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is a copolymer having a repeating unit C containing a polymerizable group together with the repeating unit A. It was found that the adhesion to the adjacent layer adjacent to the liquid crystal cured film was good.< / x> < / x>

Claims

1. A composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film containing a polymerizable liquid crystal compound and a solvent, wherein the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film contains two or more leveling agents composed of polymers having a repeating unit A containing a silicon atom, Regarding the content of the leveling agent with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polymerizable liquid crystal compound, among the leveling agents, when the content of the leveling agent composed of the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is X parts by mass and the content of the leveling agent composed of another polymer having the repeating unit A is Y parts by mass, the mass ratio represented by X / Y satisfies the following formula (1). A composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film. 0 < X / Y < 1.0 (1)

2. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1, wherein the mass ratio represented by X / Y satisfies the following formula (2). 0.1 < X / Y < 0.4 (2)

3. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface tension of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film is lower than 24.0 mN / m.

4. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface tension of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film is lower than 23.0 mN / m.

5. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface tension of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film is higher than 21.0 mN / m.

6. Among the polymers having the repeating unit A, the content of the repeating unit A in the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is more than 65% by mass and less than 95% by mass. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Among the polymers having the repeating unit A, the content of the repeating unit A in the polymer having the lowest content of the repeating unit A is more than 35% by mass and less than 55% by mass. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight average molecular weight of at least one of the polymers having the repeating unit A is more than 10,000 and less than 40,000.

9. Among the polymers having the repeating unit A, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is further a copolymer having a repeating unit B containing a mesogen group. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2.

10. Among the polymers having the repeating unit A, at least the polymer having the highest content of the repeating unit A is further a copolymer having a repeating unit C containing a polymerizable group. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a compound represented by the following formula (I). P １ -L １ -D ５ -(A １ ) ａ１ -D ３ -(G １ ) ｇ１ -D １ -[Ar-D ２ ｑ１ -(G ２ ) ｇ２ -D ４ -(A ２ ) ａ２ -D ６ -L ２ -P ２ (I) Here, in the formula (I), a1, a2, g1 and g2 each independently represent 0 or 1. However, at least one of a1 and g1 represents 1, and at least one of a2 and g2 represents 1. q1 represents 1 or 2. D １ 、D ２ 、D ３ 、D ４ 、D ５ and D ６ each independently represents a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a combination of two or more of these; R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. However, when q1 is 2, the plurality of D ２ may be the same or different from each other. G １ and G ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH ２ - constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. A １ and A ２ each independently represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of —CH ２ — in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with —O—, —S— or —NH—. L １ and L ２ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that one or more of the —CH ２ — constituting the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)— or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent. P １ and P ２ each independently represents a monovalent organic group, and at least one of P １ and P ２ represents a polymerizable group. Ar represents an aromatic ring having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or a divalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH ２ - in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. However, when q1 is 2, the plurality of Ars may be the same or different from each other.

12. The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 11, wherein Ar in the formula (I) represents any aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the following formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5). 【Chemical 1】 Here, in the formulas (Ar-1) to (Ar-5), * represents a bonding position. Q １ represents N or CH. Q ２ represents -S-, -O-, or -N(R ６ ), and R ６ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Y １ represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, an aromatic heterocyclic group having 3 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, and one or more of -CH ２ - constituting the alicyclic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with -O-, -S- or -NH-. Z １ 、Z ２ and Z ３ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a monovalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent alicyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a monovalent aromatic heterocyclic group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, a halogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, -OR ７ , -NR ８ R ９ , -SR １０ , -COOR １１ , or -COR １２ , and R ７ ~R １２ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and Z １ and Z ２ may be bonded to each other to form an aromatic ring. A ３ and A ４ each independently represents a group selected from the group consisting of -O-, -N(R １３ ), -S-, and -CO-, and R １３ represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent. X represents a non-metal atom of Groups 14 to 16. However, a hydrogen atom or a substituent may be bonded to the non-metal atom. D ７ and D ８ each independently represents a single bond, or a divalent linking group consisting of -CO-, -O-, -S-, -C(=S)-, -CR １ R ２ -, -CR ３ =CR ４ -, -NR ５ -, or a combination of two or more of these, and R １ ~R ５ each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. L ３ and L ４ each independently represents a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, provided that one or more of the —CH ２ — that make up the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may be substituted with —O—, —S—, —NH—, —N(Q)— or —CO—, and Q represents a substituent. P ３ and P ４ each independently represents a monovalent organic group, and at least one of P ３ and P ４ represents a polymerizable group. Ax represents an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring. Ay represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, or an organic group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms having at least one aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and an aromatic heterocyclic ring. The aromatic rings in Ax and Ay may have a substituent, and Ax and Ay may be bonded to form a ring. Q ３ represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may have a substituent.

13. The polymerizable liquid crystal compound is a rod-like liquid crystal compound, The composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the refractive index difference Δn between the major axis direction and the minor axis direction of the rod-like liquid crystal compound satisfies the following formula (II). Δn(450) / Δn(550) < 1.0 (II) Here, in the formula (II), Δn(450) represents the refractive index difference at 450 nm, and Δn(550) represents the refractive index difference at 550 nm.

14. A liquid crystal cured film obtained by fixing the alignment state of the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film according to claim 1 or 2.

15. The liquid crystal cured film according to claim 14, which is a film obtained by fixing the polymerizable liquid crystal compound contained in the composition for forming a liquid crystal cured film in a vertically aligned state.

16. An optical film having the liquid crystal cured film according to claim 14.

17. An image display device having the optical film according to claim 16.

18. The image display device according to claim 17, which is a liquid crystal display device.

19. The image display device according to claim 17, which is an organic electroluminescence display device.

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